Oxford Utd 1, Thame 0 (golden goal): Adam Garner struck a golden goal winner with just three minutes remaining to sink brave Thame as Oxford United marked a 12-year absence from the Oxfordshire Senior Cup with a dramatic quarter-final victory.

Despite fielding eight players who have played for the first team this season, Oxford struggled throughout to break down a resilient Thame back line at a freezing Court Place Farm last night.

But after 117 minutes, a Danny Brown free kick wasn't gathered by under-pressure Thame keeper Steve Smith, allowing Garner a simple tap-in.

It was harsh on the Ryman League outfit, who looked set to take United's second string to penalties, but especially tough on Smith, who had produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in the game.

However, it could have been so different had Thame strike Jon Gardner not wasted a glorious opening five minutes into extra time.

Gardner showed good pace to get in behind the United defence, but with just Simon Cox to beat, hit a weak shot straight at the U's keeper.

Oxford started with Jefferson Louis, Andy Scott and Manny Omoyinmi in a three-man front line, and within a minute looked like going ahead, only for Andy Williams to hook Scott's effort off the line.

Smith received lengthy treatment after clashing with former Thame man Louis, but then produced three fine saves, twice denying Scott and Louis.

Thame gradually came into the game, with Gardner firing over from 20 yards, and Ben Freeman twice going close.

But after some wayward finishing from both sides and penalties looking certain, Garner popped up with a dramatic winner to book a semi-final tie against North Leigh.

Oxford Utd: Cox, Oldfield, Bound, Waterman, Garner, Brown, Hackett, Alexis, Louis (Winters 65), Scott, Omoyinmi (Carbon 65). Subs (not used): Brandish, Mackay, Rudd.

Thame Utd: Smith, Mills, Joyce, Saulsbury, Williams, Avery, Perna, Freeman, Merritt, MC Jones, Gardner. Subs (not used): Hirotaka, Death, Hocking, Goffe, Chowns.

Attendance: 273.